UHDS News

A reminder that smoking is no longer permitted anywhere on the Oregon State University Corvallis campus and select OSU property within Benton County signed as nonsmoking. Smoking is permissible on sidewalks that border OSU’s boundaries. Smoking receptacles are being installed in strategic, high-traffic areas around the periphery of the Corvallis campus for disposal of smoking-related litter. Their locations will be updated soon on the policy’s website at http://oregonstate.edu/smokefree.

The smoke-free policy is in effect year-round, including game days, so visitors to campus who are participating in tailgating activities will also be prohibited from smoking.

Enforcement will focus on educating students, staff and visitors about the policy, but those who refuse to abide by the campus’ smoke-free policy may be cited by OSU Department of Public Safety. Students will be held accountable under the student conduct code and employees under OSU employment policies. Contractors, vendors, event attendees, those who rent or lease university property and other visitors to OSU could be subject to exclusion from campus for violation of the new policy.

Smoking also is not permitted inside personal vehicles on campus.

Among the prohibited smoking devices are cigars, cigarettes, pipes, electronic cigarettes or other devices intended to simulate smoking.

OSU students, faculty and staff can purchase nicotine-replacement therapy products at the OSU Pharmacy, located at Student Health Services in Room 109. There are also a variety of free programs available to faculty, staff and students who would like help quitting. OSU students can access free tobacco cessation counseling, and receive nicotine gum and patches at no cost at Student Health Services, 541-737-9355. OSU faculty and staff can access smoking cessation services through www.oregon.gov/DAS/PEBB/FreeClear.shtml. Another helpful service is the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

If you see someone smoking on campus, you can call the Department of Public Safety at 541-737-3010 to report the activity. Some may choose to inform others of the policy. If you choose to do so, you are encouraged to respectfully inform them of the policy.

In a move to promote health and well being on campus, university staff members have been working for more than two years preparing to implement the smoke-free policy on campus, including a university-wide education and outreach campaign, as well as a community forum held earlier this month.

For more information: http://oregonstate.edu/smokefree/